iPad Pro (10.5-inch, 2017)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-ipad-pro-10-5-inch-2017/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Excellent display, upgraded storage options, faster processor, better cameras and a bigger display in a still-compact size. Faster refresh-rate display also means faster Apple Pencil responsiveness.
The bad: No newly imagined accessories and the ones you need (Pencil, keyboard) drive up the cost to laptop levels.
The cost: $606.99 to $649.99
The bottom line: Apple’s latest iPad Pros improve on already excellent drawing, video and photo capabilities, but its true potential won’t be seen until iOS 11 hits later this year.
———
Apple iPad (9.7-inch, 2018)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-ipad-2018-9-7-inch/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The 2018 entry-level iPad supports the Apple Pencil for art work and annotation, and adds a faster A10 processor. iOS continues to offer the best overall selection of free and paid apps on affordable tablets.
The bad: Lacks the bigger, better screen, quad speakers and Smart Connector found on pricier iPad Pros. The Pencil, case and keyboard add-ons will bring the price up to laptop level.
The cost: $299.99 to $349.99
The bottom line: The 2018 entry-level iPad doesn’t add much, but it makes an already excellent tablet a better buy than ever.
———
Samsung Galaxy Book (12-inch)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-book-12-inch/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Book has an excellent screen, strong performance and long battery life. For a 12-inch tablet, it’s compact. A keyboard cover and stylus are both included.
The bad: It can get hot if multitasking for a long time. The keyboard case is wobbly if not sitting on a sturdy surface. The kickstand situation isn’t as solid as the Surface’s.
The cost: $1,224.97
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Book beats the Microsoft Surface on value by including a keyboard cover and stylus in the box, but the Surface’s design is still much more refined.
———
Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-surface-pro-2017/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Surface Pro gets better performance and battery life from its CPU update, and most models are now fanless. The excellent kickstand is even more flexible.
The bad: Minimal redesign leaves out USB-C and Thunderbolt options. The Surface Pen stylus is no longer included by default, and new keyboard covers are more expensive than ever. Still not great for lap use.
The cost: $654.90 to $799.00
The bottom line: Microsoft’s flagship Surface Pro gets an extremely conservative update, but better battery life keeps it the gold standard of Windows hybrid PCs — for now.
———
The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Section Editor Dan Ackerman, former CNET editor Xiomara Blanco, Senior Editor Scott Stein and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
About the Author